Bracelet



Feb. 3, 1931. H, v pRETo-r 1,790,721'

BRACELET Filed Feb. 17, 1928 Patented Feb. 3, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HARRY V. IPRETOT, OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO ILLINOIS WATCH CASE COM- PANY, OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS BRACELET Application filed February 17, 1928. Serial No. 254,941..

This invention which relates to bracelets generally is concerned more especially with a metal bracelet of the split type, having novel and improved means at one or both ends for fastening to a wrist ornament, such, for example, as a watch. For its objects my invention aims to simplify the construction of the bracelet attaching means, to render the same more secure, to facilitate the manipulation thereof whenever necessary or desirable, and to improve generally the appearance and performance of suoli an article.

A suggestive embodiment of my invention is set forth in the accompanying drawing in the manner following: j

Figure l is a face view of a watch equipped with the present bracelet;

Fig. 2 is an edge view thereof; A

Fig. 3 is a similar view with one bracelet end swung around preparatory to connection or disconnection of the bracelet'relative to the watch;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail in section of the connecting parts of the bracelet and watch;

Fig. 5 is a detail in perspective of the attaching end of the bracelet and watch bar With which it cooperates; and

Fig. 6 is a similar view of one bracelet end from which the locking sleeve is removed.

The bracelet herein shown is of the split type in that it consists of a band or strap A formed of two relatively adjustable sections having their opposite ends adapted for connection with an object to be worn upon the wrist*a watch B for example. At opposite ends of the watch case are loops each providing an outwardly supported bar 6 with which the bracelet ends are adapted to cooperate.

As shown, each bracelet section consists Aof flat metal straps'having a desired degree of flexibility to conform to the wearers wrist. Each end of the bracelet is reversely bent at 7 and extended back upon itself at 8 for a distance preferably equal to or greater thanthe distance by which the loop bar 6 outstands from the watch case or other object. This turned back end cooperates with the bracelet in providing a hook having an opening through which may be passed the loop bar when the watch is to be connected or disconnected relative to the bracelet. Such movements of the bar through the hook opening may not take place, however, except when the hook end of the bracelet is swung around to a position which is substantially transverse to the plane of the watchV as defined by the back cover thereof (see Fig. 3) This is due to the length of the hook itself which causes the bend? to abut the watch case if attempt is made at disconnection while the braceletend is in a normal position relative to the watch.

lnasmuch as the hook opening is both runsightly and a possible means-of egress for the loop bar in case the bracelet be swung around through a sufficient extent, I deem of advantage to provide a closure whose normal po-l sition is such as to cover over the opening. Such a closure may conveniently consistfof a short section of fiat tubing forming a sleeve l() which is mounted for sliding movement upon the bracelet, one at each end thereof. This sleeve is freely movable to a position adjacent the hook opening so as to close the same. The width of this opening, however, may exceed 4the thickness of the sleeve walls, consequently means are provided for guiding the sleeve near the end of its movement into a position which shifts its frontend. up suffe ciently to engage directly with the proximate edge of the turned end 8 of the bracelet. For

this purposefthe bracelet is equipped with one o r more protuberances, preferably in the form of outdented buttons 1l, which engage with the inner face of the sleevel to guide it into an angular position, as shown.l Also to maintain the sleeve in this position, I may provide another Ybutton l2 outdented upon the under or opposite bracelet yface and adapted to prol ject into'a slot 14 which is formed in the proximate'wall of the sleeve when the latter is advanced to closing position relative to the hook opening. The sleeve, it should be noted,issuf ciently loose upon the bracelet to permit ofits walls yielding slightly as required in response to engagement of these protuberances during movement o-f the sleeve adjacent the hook opening.

The construction heretofore described is one which enhances the appearance and security of the bracelet connection. It may be desirable to ornament or finish the sleeve in a manner which differs from that of the bracelet, and this may be accomplished with no special effort or expense. Also the friction lock by which the sleeve is maintained adj acent the lock opening need never withstand any considerable force since the bar 6 will normally be incapable ot exerting any pressure thereagainst.

I claim :V Y,

l. ln a bracelet, a flexible band formed at one end. with a hook for engaging a bar, means surrounding the band and slidable on said end to a position adjacent the hook opening'v for closing and concealing the hook opening, and co-,acting devices on the band and said sliding means for locking lthe latter in such closing and concealing position.

2. ln a bracelet, a flexible bowed band formed at one end with a hook engageable with a bar, a sleeve surrounding the band and Y movable upon said end into engagement With the hook, means on one side of the band for guiding the sleeve toward the hook, whereby 3 to close the hook opening, and means on the opposite side of the band for holding the sleeve in such closing position.

3. In a bracelet, a liexibleband having one end turned to form a hook engageable with a f bar, a sleeve slidable along the hook end of the band to a position adjacent the hook opening Vwhereby to close the same, and means protruding from opposite sides of the band coacting with the sleeve whereby to guide and lock the latter in place closing the hook openmg.

l. In a bracelet, a flexible band having one end turned to form a hook engageable with a bar,'a sleeve slidable along the band toa position adjacent they hook opening, and said band being formed with indentations protruding from opposite sides of the band at unequally distant places from the hook opening, vone indentation serving to guide the J sleeve into a position which closes said hook opening, and the other co-acting with the sleeve to hold the'latter in such closing position. i

5. In a bracelet, a member formed'with a bar, a flexible metal strap having one end turned to form a hook engageable with said bar, a-'lat sleeve encircling the strap and slidable thereon, and means on the strap and sleeve mutually co-acting to guide and maintain the latter in an angular position with respect to vthe strap and covering the hook opening.

HARRY V. 'PRETOT 

